Orientation device

Abstract

Disclosed is an orientation device that may be deployed in a mechanical assembly such as a surveillance camera or enclosure to positively determine the physical orientation and / or attitude (tilt), or any change in such physical orientation and / or attitude, of either the camera or the enclosure, and report that information electronically. The invention includes a sensor that is triggered by the movement of a weighted flag along a shaft caused by gravity or gravity in conjunction with the operation of a spring. As the invention is rotated through 360°, the force of gravity and force of the spring are exerted on the weighted flag, causing it to move along the shaft as the assembly is rotated. Each movement by the flag is detected by the sensor which sends an electronic signal indicating that a predetermined point has been reached. Multiple assemblies may be used, offset from each other, to provide additional and more precise position information.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention is an orientation device (tilt switch) for use in the closed circuit television (CCTV) industry to positively resolve the physical orientation of a mechanical assembly, particularly surveillance cameras. Resolution of the physical orientation allows the operating functions of the assembly to be specifically tailored according to the orientation.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Surveillance cameras are deployed in a wide variety of enclosures and environments. In many cases, the environment will dictate the type, size and style of enclosure that is deployed. Enclosures deployed indoors are often ceiling, wall or floor mounted, and typically include a transparent dome that surrounds the surveillance camera. These enclosures may not require the environmental protections called for in outdoor or industrial deployments. Enclosures deployed outdoors or in industrial environments may be exposed ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention is a spring-based orientation device that may be deployed in a surveillance camera enclosure to positively determine the physical orientation and / or attitude (tilt), or any change in physical orientation and / or attitude of either the camera or the enclosure, or both, and report that information electronically. Separate devices may be employed on the camera and the enclosure, respectively, to provide independent orientation information for each of the camera and the enclosure, and for comparing each such orientation information to the other. Multiple devices may also be used, deployed at measured offsets from each other, to provide additional orientation information for different angles, ranges or degrees of movement of either the camera, the enclosure or both. Such use of multiple devices provides more precise orientation information.

Problems solved by technology

Enclosures deployed outdoors or in industrial environments may be exposed to significant changes in temperature, air pressure and humidity as well as moisture (precipitation, condensation or frost), dust, debris, corrosives and other foreign material.

Problems have been encountered with regard to the use of heaters in surveillance camera enclosures because of the different potential orientations of the enclosures.

If excessive heat is provided on the ceiling-mounted enclosure, the camera electronics could overheat affecting the camera performance.

If excessive heat is provided on the floor-mounted enclosure, the upper portion of the transparent dome may deform, melt, or be otherwise affected interfering with and impairing the ability of the camera to obtain clear images through that part of the dome.

Different degrees of these same problems are encountered with wall-mounted enclosures and with non-dome enclosures where excessive heat may collect in the upper regions of the enclosure potentially overheating the electronics or causing deforming and impairment of the optics.

Since mercury is a highly toxic material, mercury-based tilt switches are disfavored because of the dangers associated with any rupture of the capsule containing the mercury.

Such liquid-based switches also suffer from the drawback of providing potentially erroneous information if the switch is suddenly struck or jarred.

However, ball and funnel based tilt switches are expensive and not readily adaptable for wide ranging uses.

Accelerometers are useful for measuring one-time events such as the dropping of an object during shipping, but are not capable of determining the angle to which an object has been tilted.

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